Asia Bibi: 9 years a prisoner

Pakistan (MNN) — Asia Bibi has become a poster child for human rights abuses in Pakistan. On the nine-year anniversary of Bibi’s arrest, Bassma Dabbour with Voice of the Martyrs Canada is calling the Church to remember.

“Having these kinds of accusations in a hostile country, where there’s no freedom of opinion and human rights…it’s a high concern to anyone, not just to us as Christians,” says Dabbour.

Remembering Asia Bibi

Imagine spending nine years in prison because you expressed an opinion that was different than your co-worker’s. That’s reality for Asia Bibi. She was arrested in June 2009 when her Muslim co-workers accused her of blasphemy. She’s been imprisoned ever since.

Asia Bibi’s family. (Photo courtesy Voice of the Martyrs Canada)

“As a mother and as a woman, I’m very concerned for her health [and] for her situation,” Dabbour states. “I can resonate with what she’s experiencing right now, being forcibly separated from her children…

“She wasn’t there for their birthdays, she wasn’t there to look after them when they’re sick, she wasn’t there for Christmas.”

Taking action

In Hebrews 13, we’re instructed to “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them.” Asia Bibi has spent nearly a decade in prison because she took a stand for Christ. As a Christian woman imprisoned in Muslim-majority Pakistan, she can do little. But, you can speak on her behalf.

Here are some ways you can advocate for Asia Bibi:

Share this story on social media.

Write to your political leaders. VOM Canada shares tips and contact information for governmental leaders on their website.

Support VOM Canada’s efforts.By donating here, you can help VOM Canada publicize the plight of Christians like Asia Bibi and urge governments to act on their behalf.

Send a note of encouragement to Asia Bibi.

Photo by Hodja.

“Remind her that she’s not alone, she’s not forgotten; people around the world think of her,” says Dabbour.